Multimodal analgesia

Multimodal analgesia: Optimal pain management while avoiding opioids is a key enabler of patient recovery. Furthermore, poor acute pain management is a strong risk factor for the development of chronic pain. A multimodal approach is recommended, using multiple strategies before, during and after surgery.

Postoperatively: patients are prescribed routine (not PRN) acetominophen 1gm q6hours and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents (NSAIDs), althought there remains some controversy over whether NSAIDs increase leak rates (1). Opioids are given only if adequate analgesia (<4/10) is not obtained with all of the above.

SAGES Enhanced Recovery

Representing a worldwide community of more than 6,000 surgeons, SAGES sets the clinical and educational guidelines on standards of practice in various procedures, critical to enhancing patient safety and health.

SAGES Support

SAGES gratefully acknowledges Medtronic for its generous educational grant in support of the SMART Enhanced Recovery Program.